IN his first message to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Pope Leo XIV called on Filipino prelates to always uphold peace and human dignity.
In his message to the 130th CBCP Plenary Assembly, Pope Leo XIV told Filipino bishops: “Be courageous in supporting the cause of peace and in promoting the intrinsic dignity of all people.”
The Pope’s message was read by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, last Saturday.
The Pontiff also expressed confidence that the local churches in the Philippines will continue to serve as “tangible signs of hope” for the nation.
“Invite everyone to an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ,” said Pope Leo XIV.
More than 80 bishops and archbishops are currently gathered in Anda, Bohol, for the biannual plenary gathering of the CBCP.
Held every January and July, the CBCP plenary assembly allows prelates to collectively reflect on pastoral priorities and address national issues from a Catholic perspective.
Topping the agenda for the three-day conference was the election of the new set of CBCP officials, whose two-year terms will begin on December 1.
On Saturday, Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera was elected as the next president of the CBCP.
He succeeds Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, who was elected to the post in July 2021 and is completing his second and final term as president on November 30.
At the CBCP, Garcera previously chaired the CBCP Commission on Mission and Commission on Family and Life.
Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel was elected as the next CBCP vice president.
He will replace Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, whose second and final term also ends on November 30.
Tonel previously served as chairman of the CBCP Commission on Liturgy, and currently heads the CBCP Committee on Bishops’ Concerns.
Also expected to be elected during the CBCP plenary meeting are the nine regional representatives to the permanent council and the commission chairpersons.
